Q. What is significant about this year's United Way campaign?

A. The campaign is going "green" — pledge packets will not be handed out this year. Online pledging is encouraged using the secure and confidential eWay system, which has been upgraded so that donors can log on using their JHED ID and password. Donors can pledge online at www.jhu.edu/unitedway.

Q. What is the Johns Hopkins Neighborhood Fund, and how can I donate to it?

A. The Neighborhood Fund was created in 2007 to support nonprofit organizations that serve communities in close proximity to Johns Hopkins campuses and that are associated with Johns Hopkins through employee and/or institutional involvement. Designations made to the Neighborhood Fund will assist selected organizations build stronger neighborhoods by addressing targeted community needs; grants will be awarded based on guidance from Johns Hopkins employees with a focus on five keys areas: community revitalization, education, employment, health and public safety.

Designations can be made to the Neighborhood Fund by using the "Invest Your Donation" section of the eWay online pledging system.

Q. I'm active in a nonprofit organization. How can I request a grant from the Johns Hopkins Neighborhood Fund?

A. Guidelines and funding applications are available online at: web.jhu.edu/uw/NeighborhoodFund.html or can be requested from the Office of Faculty, Staff and Retiree Programs at 410-516-6060.

Q. With the economy in the shape it is, why should I contribute?

A. Small donations, when given by many, can have the greatest impact. Dollars contributed to the United Way campaign are distributed where they will do the most good for the entire community. Partner agencies provide services aimed at helping everyone in need. Perhaps you, a member of your family, one of your neighbors or a co-worker has benefited from services supported by United Way, or may be in the future.

Q. How do I know where the money goes?

A. United Way of Central Maryland publishes an annual report, and the results of the first year of funding through the Johns Hopkins Neighborhood Fund are published online. Both can be viewed on the campaign Web site, www.jhu.edu/unitedway.

Q. How can I get involved?

A. Whether or not you feel you can donate, there are plenty of opportunities to help with the many events being held to raise money for United Way. Join in the campaign's movement this year to "Live United." Consider helping your school or divisional campaign coordinator run one of the listed events, or volunteer for one of the United Way or Neighborhood Fund agencies.

 

Mark Your Calendars

Johns Hopkins University Block Party
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.,
Levering Plaza (inclement weather location: Glass Pavilion)
Admission free with online pledge thank you page or completed pledge form, $5 otherwise

Bloomberg School of Public Health Coffee Giveaway
Thursday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.,
Daily Grind
Free with completed UW pledge form

School of Education Kick-off
Thursday, Oct. 23,
Education Building and Columbia Center

Leadership Lunch (by invitation), with guest speaker Denise Koch of WJZ-TV
Friday, Oct. 24, noon to 1:30 p.m.,
Levering's Great Hall, Homewood

School of Education Walk for United Way
Friday, Oct. 24, time TBA

Bloomberg School of Public Health Breakfast Giveaway
Thursday, Oct. 30, 8:30 to 10 a.m.,
Feinstone Hall

Columbia Center Chili Cook-Off
Friday, Oct. 31, time TBA

Bloomberg School of Public Health Soda Giveaway
Thursday, Nov. 6, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,
Jay's Café
Free with completed UW pledge form

6th Annual Chili Cook-Off and Bake-Off
Friday, Nov. 7, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.,
Levering's Glass Pavilion, Homewood

Universitywide Community Service Project
Sponsored by the Whiting School of Engineering
Saturday, Nov. 15, time TBA
Wyman Park Dell

Bloomberg School of Public Health Happy Hour and Raffle
Friday, Nov. 21, 4 to 6 p.m.

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